Station Nachi

Discover the Gateway to Japan’s Sacred Nature

Nachi is a roadside station nestled at the crossroads of National Route 42 and the Nanki Katsuura-Shinmiya Expressway, serving as the welcoming entrance to the World Heritage site of Nachi Falls and the ancient pilgrimage route of Kumano Kodo. Located just 3 kilometers north of Katsuura Onsen and adjacent to the renowned Nachi Sea Bathing Beach, this vibrant hub blends natural beauty with cultural depth.

As a key base for exploring the Kumano Kodo’s Great Gate Slope and the sacred Nachi Mountain, Nachi offers more than rest—it invites discovery. Visitors can unwind in Danuki no Yu, a soothing onsen with views of Nachi Bay, or explore the World Heritage Information Center, showcasing the region’s spiritual legacy. With fresh local produce, scenic walking trails along the pristine shoreline, and access to historic sites like Nachi Falls and Seigan-ji Temple, this roadside station is a true gateway to Japan’s most revered landscapes.

Nachi roadside station stands at the gateway to Japan’s tallest waterfall, the 133-meter-tall Nachi no Taki, a UNESCO World Heritage site revered for centuries. Only here can visitors access the Bear's Gate Path (Daimon Sakamichi), a 5-kilometer stretch of the ancient Kumano Kodo trail where ancient cedar trees still stand in silent procession. Adjacent to the station, the Blue Beach Nachi—one of Japan’s top 100 cleanest seawater beaches—offers pristine sands and ocean views unmatched elsewhere. These natural and spiritual treasures converge at this unique junction, making Nachi the only roadside station where pilgrimage, power, and sea meet in one place.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM to secure the freshest local produce at the local farm produce sales counter, which opens at 9:30 AM and often sells out of seasonal vegetables by midday.

• Hidden Gem at the Information Center: Ask the staff at the World Heritage Information Center for a free printed map of the Daimon Sakuramichi Trail (Great Gate Slope Path), which includes detailed walking times, historical notes, and access points from the roadside station.

• Best Time to Use the Hot Spring: Visit Tanuki no Yu (Danuki no Yu) between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a quieter soak with views of the Nankai Bay, especially when the sun is still high.

• Avoid Parking Confusion: When visiting the Nachi Seaside Beach (Blue Beach Nachi), use the dedicated beach parking lot—not the main roadside station lot—since the station’s 58 parking spaces are reserved for visitors to the station facilities and not for beachgoers.

• Weekend Special at the Food Counter: On weekends, the souvenir shop inside the exchange center offers a limited-time Nachi-style pickled plum bento box (only available from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM), made with locally harvested ume plums from nearby orchards.

• Use the Free Wi-Fi for Navigation: Connect to the free Wi-Fi at the roadside station to access the official Nankai Kōdō hiking guide, a downloadable PDF that includes real-time trail updates and GPS coordinates for the Daimon Sakuramichi Trail and Kumano Nachi Shrine route.

• Take Advantage of the Disabled Access: Use the accessible parking spot and multi-purpose toilet (24-hour access) located near the main entrance if you're visiting with mobility challenges—this area is closest to the World Heritage Information Center and Tanuki no Yu entrance, minimizing walking distance.

Spring (March–May): Canola flowers bloom in late March to April, and fresh bamboo shoots are available at the local market.

Summer (June–August): The nearby blue beach is open for swimming, and the famous Nachi Falls is illuminated on New Year's Eve.

Autumn (September–November): The area offers scenic views along the Kumano Kodo trail, ideal for autumn foliage walks.

Winter (December–February): Visit for the illuminated Nachi Falls and relaxing soak in the Danuki no Yu hot spring.